A song to celebrate victory for retired mine workers

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On Oct. 10, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) reached a global settlement with Peabody Energy and Patriot Coal that will provide more than $400 million in funding to cover future health care benefits for retirees affected by the bankruptcy of Patriot Coal. See UMWA-Peabody settlement details here.

IWJ and members of the Religious Leaders for Coalfield Justice played an active role in supporting the more than 3,000 retired mine workers and their families. In May, IWJ and RLCJ conducted a fact-finding delegation and released this report.

The global settlement is a big win for more than 3,000 retired mine workers and their families. To celebrate the recent victory and honor the workers and allies who made it happen, Pittsburgh-based musician, Tom Breiding, wrote this:

"So here's to every hard working soul and the promise that brought us here. I believed that justice could carry the day. One day, and now it's here.